Several high-ranking Missouri Republicans were quick to release their name publicly Monday as a potential replacement for Jo Ann Emerson in Congress. Missouri Republican Party executive director Lloyd Smith and former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman were the first to emerge within the hour of Emerson’s announcement. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder also issued a statement expressing his interest but has yet to commit. And former State Senator Jason Crowell tells KZIM KSIM he has been urged to consider a run…and will contemplate it. Crowell was a former intern under then Congressman Bill Emerson. Under Missouri Republican rules, the Governor will select a date for a special election at least 10 weeks after Emerson vacates the seat in mid-February. The 8th Congressional District Republican Committee chairman will call a meeting to select a Republican candidate to run in the special election.